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///M3 Forum The BMW E46 ///M3 is the M version E46 and puts out an amazing 333 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque at stock specs! There are an amazing amount of modifications for both the coupe and convertible models so read up and get started modifying your cars today!

I tried putting together one front door panel and one rear panel last night. I was also able to mask out the rear back rests to prepare it for the prep agent before it gets sprayed today. I did the final coats for the rear bolster seats too. I plan to sand the rear seat down with 1500-2000 grit before doing the final coat to it tonight. So far, everything is looking good. I still have yet to find time to work on the front seats but I am trying to do a systematic approach to finish it starting from the rear interior, then the dash area the finally the front seats. I also made a little video trying to show the true colors/condition of the pieces that are done.

This is epic man, great work. I really want to do this so out of curiousity I have a handful of questions (and probably more to come later):
- What is the exact prep and dye process you used?
- How much of the dye that you bought did you actually end up using?
- Did the sprayer work better than a brush?

This is epic man, great work. I really want to do this so out of curiousity I have a handful of questions (and probably more to come later):
- What is the exact prep and dye process you used?
- How much of the dye that you bought did you actually end up using?
- Did the sprayer work better than a brush?

Thanks in advance!

Thank you! Did you read my thread? I tried to be as detailed as possible. The dye is Leatherique Kit#4. If you read my thread, you will find all the answers to your questions.

I might end up buying more dye. I ordered kit#4 plus 16oz more of Imola dye and I still have yet to do the rear back rests and front seats and I'm left with 16oz. I guess it depends if you use a brush or cloth, you would not have a lot of wasted dye. In my case, I am using HVLP Spray so I waste a lot of dye.

Very nice job, Fanatic! Question for you, is the red more like in the pictures or in the video? I have noticed that in the pictures, the red looks more like a cinnamon and in the video, more like a burgundy--both look amazing.

I wanted the cinnamon interior, but I could not find an M3 with it, so I settled for an all black interior. If I decide to dye mine, I will follow every step you have taken so far.

Thanks Charlie! Thought you would want to see how I do things for your future project!

Quote:

Originally Posted by agent050

Very nice job, Fanatic! Question for you, is the red more like in the pictures or in the video? I have noticed that in the pictures, the red looks more like a cinnamon and in the video, more like a burgundy--both look amazing.

I wanted the cinnamon interior, but I could not find an M3 with it, so I settled for an all black interior. If I decide to dye mine, I will follow every step you have taken so far.

Thank you!

The red is exactly the OEM IMOLA color. It is kinda difficult to show you guys photos because I work on this project after I get home from work which is already night time. I will take photos during the day time on the weekend before I put them in the car so that you can see the true color of the pieces.

Updates: I was able to finally finish the rear lower seat. Sanded it down lightly with 2000 grit to take out the tiny over sprays. Once it was sanded, it is perfect now... Texture is like OEM just like the way I had it! I was also able to prep the rear back rests and hit them with 1 coat of dye. The rear head rests were also sprayed with the final coat of the dye and should be good to go after I sand it down with 2000 grit by friday. I will be staying at work late tonight due to a lot of deadlines so I will not be able to work on it. I will continue working Friday and Saturday!

I have to admit when I read the title of this thread I clicked just to watch the train wreck...instead I'm completely impressed with the preparation, thoroughness and attention to details of this project, and most of all with the size of your enormous cojones for even attempting this. The results so far truly blow me away.

Having said that, I don't really care for the imola red and black interior. But that is neither here nor there as it's a personal preference.